The arrival of fall is a much-anticipated time of the year for many. The brutally hot days of the summer are finally over, and the cooler days of autumn have officially arrived. With the introduction of cooler weather, we can also expect to see the leaves begin to turn, painting a beautiful canvas around Cary’s lakes and greenways. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence the timing of the fall foliage and provide a guide for planning your leaf-peeping adventures in Cary.
Have the colors started to change in North Carolina yet?
Cary is located in the central part of North Carolina where its elevation is relatively low. The timing of fall foliage is influenced by elevation, so areas at higher elevations tend to experience the transformation of leaves earlier than lower-lying regions. If you’re eager to see the fall foliage right now, consider visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains, which peak earlier than Cary. They can be reached in about 3 hours by car, and many areas have already started to peak.
When to expect the fall leaves in Cary
In Cary, the fall foliage season typically begins in late October and continues into November. The peak of the fall color display usually occurs in mid to late November. We are starting to see a very small amount of leaves begin to turn, but we’re a long way from the peak.
Here’s a rough timeline to help you plan your leaf-peeping adventures:
- Mid-October (where we are now): The transformation is beginning, with red and orange colors beginning to show themselves.
- Late October to Early November: The foliage display should intensify, with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This is an excellent time to explore local parks and greenways.
- Mid to Late November: The peak of fall foliage in Cary is usually around this time. The colors are at their most brilliant, and the best time to walk around lakes to see the colorful reflections.
Best places to visit:
To make the most of the fall foliage in Cary, consider the following locations:
Bond Park is a perfect destination in Cary to view the foliage. Follow the Lake Trail and travel through the woods to overlook the colors reflecting on the lake, or jump on one of the two biggest greenways that both connect at Bond and take a longer stroll/bike ride.
2. Black Creek Greenway/North Cary Park
The Black Creek Greenway is an excellent way to explore autumn’s colors, as the path takes you through some very wooded sections and along a body of water. If you start at North Cary Park, you can take a short walk to the lake and get some seriously stunning views.
Hemlock Bluffs is one of the best places to see the colors. While you won’t get any lake views, the nature preserve is jam-packed with trees and has multiple walking paths to see them up close.